Re the asbestos thing (and don't take this as pro advice...cos I aint) but if it looks like, quacks like it then it MIGHT be it. I thought I had asbestos walls (cos everyone said "it might be asbestos"...similar to some kid who may have been Jake Gyllenall saying to Arnie "it might be a toomore"). My walls were not asbestos. However I did find out that you can remove a certain square meterage of asbestos (depending on state boundaries) without have expert (very expensive) assistance (check the state rules). If it "might be" then be careful. As you are tiling over (therefor not cutting, grinding, messing about with?) then stay cool and tile to your tile glue's content!

Outsdtanding!! So inspirational to anyone wanting to take the plunge but perhaps don't think it can work!! Lots of $$$$ though I would imagine but what an amazing transformation from the '70's to modern day living.

my MIL is one one those that won't fetch anything for herself ..she expects you to get up when she gets up 5-6am and fetch her breakfast..and it's no good offering would you like some toast as she'd be like oh no I'm fine.. you need to cook breakfast and plop it in front of her.. she wouldn't let me wash her clothes so showed her how to use the machine..she hand washes them and pop them on the line right on top of my rack of dried clothes..she took my clothes down so she had room to hang hers out..and of course her dripped on mine ..?? and if she dries the dishes she must do it intentionally to annoy me as it takes me ages to find bits and pieces to my rice cooker..?? amongst other things that happened .. my MIL is hated by all of his family..because she's the second wife..his biological mum is the best MIL you can have she's kind and loving not like this one..calculating ..stabs you behind your back and the list goes on.. my husband must takes after his mum..he's kind and caring.. thank goodness she's overseas now..only lose him to get twice a year for 10 days each..

Go with your gut Tracy..... it is a big investment but I have found that if it makes you smile every time you walk into your kitchen you'll never regret it!!!! I've recently moved into a smaller downsized home with my 3rd black kitchen, with drawers, no cupboards, except for the pantry which we use as the crockery and wine glasses stash. Mine is matt but no handles = no hip bangers! I chose to use snow white stone bench tops, the walls are painted natural white while the floors are pale oak hybrid vinyl.